If there were ever an ill-conceived law, it is the one in New Jersey that will require teen drivers to affix a bright red sticker on the plates of their cars. How in heaven’s name will that prevent accidents?
I am amazed that no one thinks of the dangers attached to putting a target on a teenager’s car, visible to any criminal who figures teenagers are an easy mark. They, too, can “tail” a teenager’s car. I do not see this as a deterrent to accidents. Police recognize driving mistakes without benefit of stickers.
Teenagers, instead, should be instructed carefully in the responsibility attached to getting a driver’s license. Most kids will be driving a family car, and surely they get instructions from their parents with regard to following the rules and driving with care.
Florida used to require rental cars to be so noted on the license plate, and the practice was stopped when it became apparent criminals targeted those rentals for theft and more. In addition, the red sticker program has cost the state $644,000 to have a company produce the stickers. Is someone working without all their marbles?
Lynne MacKnight
West Windsor
